The loud-and-clear consensus among about 40 people gathered at Northmoor Primary School suggested outdoor tractor pulls and demolition derbies aren't acceptable at the North Peoria fairgrounds.

"Everyone in this room wants less noise," said Jennie Tylec, who lives just west of the facility.

The City Council is considering policies that limit motorized and amplified events at Expo Gardens. Fourth District Councilman Jim Montelongo was host to the forum, the second such recent attempt to find common ground between Expo Gardens management and neighbors.

It isn't clear if much commonality was found.

"I don't think we heard anything new," said Larry Clay, a member of the Expo Gardens board. "We're certainly concerned about the well-being of the neighbors. And we want to be a good neighbor also."

A report from city staff recommends the council prohibit amplified or motorized events outdoors at Expo Gardens. The only exception would come each July, during the Heart of Illinois Fair.

There are eight such non-HOI Fair events on the Expo Gardens wish list, according to Clay. Tractor pulls account for half. Others include a demolition derby, a concert and two college tractor-construction and demonstration competitions.

In response to Montelongo's queries, those in attendance didn't appear to have an issue with the concert, provided it ended by 10 p.m. The college competitions received mixed reviews.

But nothing appeared to be mixed about the other two categories.

"Those tractor pulls are terrible," said Jerry Brost, who lives north of the fairgrounds.

Said another man, who refused to identify himself: "Really, we need four tractor pulls in this community? Are there other alternatives? Get a classic car show up there. Get some other things that bring the decibel level down."

Sponsors approach Expo Gardens management about playing host to tractor pulls, which tend to attract large crowds, Clay said.

Montelongo said he intends to sift through the feedback he's received — including emails from nearby residents who don't object to the noise. He plans to amend accordingly the proposal the council is expected to discuss during its meeting Feb. 11.

"We really need to work on the sound," Montelongo said. "I don't know if it's going to be possible to do that."

If it isn't — and if outdoor events are restricted — there will be Expo Gardens revenue ramifications, according to Clay.

"It will be pretty challenging. That will be the bottom line," he said.

Nick Vlahos can be reached at 686-3285 or nvlahos@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @VlahosNick.